2009: The year in socks.

I started the year with every intention of knitting one pair of socks per month – 12 pairs total – but unfortunately work got in the way. I had the same goal for 2008 and even surpassed it, knitting a total of 14 pairs…I think (I’d have to refer to my Ravelry account to know for sure). I did however, finish eight pairs in 2009 and that’s not too shabby. In the process I learned some new techniques such as toe-up, magic loop and turkish cast-on.

Sock knitting came to a grinding halt for me back in September as I attempted a fitted knee sock (pictured above) – which I christened the “sock that ate New York” – and came to the sad conclusion that I will probably never wear these crazy knee socks and the yarn would be better utilized in the service of TWO pairs of socks (instead of one). Does any of this make sense? I thought not.

I saw sad proof of my sock knitting mania the other day when I opened my sock drawer and out popped pairs and pairs of socks that I don’t even wear anymore! What’s up with that? They’re beautiful articles of knitted handicraft but what good are they sitting in a drawer. The story gets even funnier when I realize that my favorite socks are really the SmartWool socks I recently bought at REI. Aren’t they fabulous? It’s pretty obvious that I love orange socks, isn’t it?

My resolution for the New Year is to actually wear the socks I’ve knitted or find them good homes. I’ve already gifted the purple ones and I think I’ll have plenty of opportunity to wear a few pairs as I venture North to Oregon and Washington on Thursday. I also resolve to knit smaller socks…to fit Alice.